Factors affecting treatment patterns of radiation oncologists in the United States in the palliative treatment of cancer.

A questionnaire was sent to 488 radiation oncologists in the United States and 268 replied. Each was given a brief account of three hypothetical patients (one with brain metastases, one with locally advanced lung cancer and one with bone metastases) and asked how they would approach the problems posed. Younger radiation oncologists (less than 46 years) treated patients with brain metastases with a smaller number of fractions and were more likely to view the case of locally advanced lung cancer as palliative. The aim of the radiation oncologist was related to the treatment pattern chosen, with the aim to extend life frequently related to higher total dose and number of fractions. When the amount of private funding was compared with dose, number of treatments, and whether the case was called palliative or not, no relationship was found.